Top Best Home Control Devices Reviewed & Rated

Starting the home automation journey can be exciting. It all began with a robot vacuum. Soon, I was testing smart air purifiers, pet cameras, and more for PCMag. Smart devices like speakers, thermostats, and even air fryers can now connect to the internet. This makes them controllable through phone apps and by voice. It boosts both ease and safety at home.

Apps for smart homes let us set up tasks and control our devices better. For example, making sure the garage door is closed each night. We can also use voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri for these tasks. They help make our daily routines easy and seamless. The new Matter standard will soon make devices work even better together. Devices like the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi Smart Lock show how far home automation has come.

Key Takeaways

• Top Best Home Control Devices Reviewed & Rated.
• The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera gets 4.5 stars and costs $139.99, a top pick for security.
• At 4.5 stars, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi Smart Lock makes homes safer for $179.99.
• The Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi Video Doorbell is rated 4.0 and is a good buy at $99.99.
• ADT Command, starting at $599.00, offers full home security systems.
• Vivint Smart Home’s monthly plan, from $39.99/month, adds extra monitoring and smart features.
• Smart devices with apps and voice assistants simplify daily life and boost security.
• Matter will make different home automation devices work better together.

Smart Speakers: The Engine of Home Control

Smart speakers play a key role in managing a smart home. They allow you to control many devices with just your voice. They work well with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, making your smart home’s experience better. This way, you can make your home more convenient and functional according to your needs.

Top Picks for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri Users

Choosing the right smart speaker depends on your favorite voice assistant. For those who use Alexa, the Echo Studio and the fourth-generation Amazon Echo are great. They have top-notch sound and work well with smart home systems. Google Assistant fans might like the Nest Audio for its great sound quality. Apple users will love the HomePod for its Siri integration and perfect match with Apple devices.

Feature-Rich Models to Consider

Picking the best smart home devices means choosing feature-packed models. For instance, the Echo Studio doesn’t just sound good, it’s also a central hub for your smart home. The Home Pod mini is perfect for Home Kit setups. These, and the Nest Audio, offer complete smart home experiences for all your needs.

Integrations and Compatibility

Integrations are crucial for a smooth smart home setup. The ability to work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri is important. These devices should also support new tech like Matter and Thread. This means they can connect with a wide range of HomeKit-compatible devices for a cohesive smart home setup.

The Best Smart Thermostats for Efficient Temperature Management

Smart thermostats make our homes both smart and efficient. They help manage temperatures wisely and save a lot of energy. Roy Furchgott, a tech expert, highlights the need to pick smart thermostats that keep us comfy while saving energy.

Eco-Friendly Options

Being Energy Star certified is key for eco-friendly models. Devices like the Ecobee use sensors to make your whole home cozy. They learn your habits and cut down on energy use. The Mysa Lite, Mysa Smart Thermostat, and Meross Smart Thermostat work with various systems, offering green performance.

Top Models with Advanced Sensors

Models with smart sensors, like the Ecobee’s air quality sensor, shine in big homes with many zones. They adjust as you move thanks to geofencing, which saves energy. With app control, these smart setup systems give you ease and top-notch operation. Mysa and Meross stand out with their silent operation and clever programming.

What to Look for in a Smart Thermostat

Choosing a smart thermostat means considering ease of setup, affordability, and safety. It’s crucial that it works with popular systems such as Alexa. Being able to control it from your phone boosts its usefulness. Look for models with extra sensors and smart learning features.

For the full scope on picking smart thermostats, check expert reviews and comparisons like this detailed guide. It lays out the top picks on the market.

Video Doorbells: Your First Line of Defense

Video doorbells are not just for seeing who’s there. They’ve become a key part of home security. They scare off burglars due to their obvious cameras. But they also let homeowners check their front doors from anywhere.

Top-Rated Video Doorbells

Some video doorbells are really making a name for themselves. Like the Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi, it has sharp HD video and a wide view. It works with IFTTT, Alexa, and Google Assistant, making your home smarter. The ADT Doorbell Camera gives a huge 180° view, 720p HD, and even works well in cold and hot weather.

Features to Consider

When you’re picking a video doorbell, look at a few important features:

• High-quality video resolution – Lets you see clearly who’s at the door.
• Two-way audio communication – Talk to people at your door from anywhere.
• Motion detection and alerts – Get a heads-up on your phone when there’s movement.
• Night vision capability – See clearly, even in the dark.
• Wide-angle lens – Gives you a big picture of your front yard or porch.

Video doorbells are also at the heart of smart homes. They link with other devices to make life easier.

Installation Tips

Putting in a video doorbell can be a DIY job or done by a pro. Doing it yourself saves money and is usually easy. But pros can make sure it’s perfect, especially with more complex wiring. Pro installations start at about $99, but the cost can change.

Here’s how to make installation go smoothly:

1. Check if your doorbell wiring matches the new doorbell.
2. Find the best spot for your doorbell to see everything clearly.
3. Make sure the Wi-Fi is strong where you’re installing the doorbell.
4. Get the doorbell’s app ready before you start setting it up.

Understanding what a video doorbell can do is a smart choice for your home. It boosts security and is a top device for controlling your home easily.

Best Home Control Devices for Smart Living

Adding top smart home gadgets to your daily life makes things easier and more efficient. They include smart locks, plugs, and lights. These gadgets work well with popular voice-controlled systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. This makes your smart home come together in a smooth way.

Top Picks Across Different Categories

It’s key to pick the right gadgets for a smart home that works well. Some great options are:

• SimpliSafe The Beacon 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System — It’s reliable and a great deal at $354.95 (originally $709.90).
• Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit with Wired Doorbell and Stick Up Cam — It’s only $299.99, saving you $100 off the full price.
• Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi Smart Lock — You can grab it for $179.99, a deal from the usual $249.00, ideal for safe and keyless entry.
• Philips Hue White Starter Kit — Offers lots of smart light control but comes at a higher price.
• Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera — Gives extra security and is $139.99 on Amazon right now, down from $199.99 (MSRP).

Integration with Voice Assistants

Getting these devices to work with your voice-controlled hub is important. It won’t be hard. Whether you’re using an Amazon Echo (4th gen) or a Google Nest Hub, they sync up easily. This means you can manage them all by voice:

• Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th Gen) — Really good wireless tech, including 2.4/5 GHz and Bluetooth.
• Nest Cam (battery) — Sharp 1080p video and you can control it with just your voice.
• Philips Hue Bulbs — While they cost more, they do amazing things with your lights and voice commands.

Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

When you look at smart home costs, think about the long-term gains. Let’s check out the benefits of a few options:

Buying smart home devices is a smart move for safety and convenience. The cost is worth the automatic features, peace of mind, and savings in the long run.

Smart Security Cameras: Enhanced Monitoring for Peace of Mind

Home safety is now easier to manage, thanks to the latest best home automation devices. These include smart security cameras for both indoor and outdoor use. They give you a full view, suited to wherever you need it.

Including Indoor and Outdoor Options

For indoor or outdoor watch, top brands like Arlo, Nest, and Blink have what you need. The Blink Outdoor 4 works great outside. It can last up to two years on two AA batteries. Inside, the Blink Mini 2 shines. It has HD night vision and a built-in spotlight.

Features That Matter: Resolution, Motion Detection, and More

Key things to think about when picking a smart security system include:

• Resolution: High-res cameras record clear, detailed images.
• Motion Detection: They alert you about movement, like the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera with bright LED lights.
• Night Vision: With the Blink Mini 2, you get colorful HD night vision.
• Battery Life: Extend power for the Blink Outdoor 4 with a Battery Extension Pack, up to four years.

Best Models to Consider

Blink stands out for good deals and features:
Blink smart security camera starts at $49.98. They offer what you need without breaking the bank. The app makes it easy to watch over your places at once. Plus, it works smoothly with Alexa-enabled devices for extra smart features.

Smart Light Bulbs: Illuminate Your Home the Smart Way

Smart lighting solutions, the Wyze Bulb Color for example, are changing the way we light our homes. They offer app and voice control, use energy wisely, and work with other top smart devices. This makes managing your home lighting easy and fun.

Benefits of Smart Lighting

Smart bulbs are a great choice for saving energy and money. The Smart White Bulbs are known for their long life, up to 25,000 hours. This means they can keep your home bright for about 22 years. Even better, they use much less energy than traditional bulbs but still give off plenty of light.

Top-Rated Smart Bulbs

There are many fantastic smart bulbs on the market, like the WiZ 60W A19 Color LED. It has a high lux rating, meaning it shines bright and clear. The Meross MSL120 Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb also stands out with its consistent light quality and easy use with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home.

These bulbs can change color temperature, can be controlled with apps, and don’t need a hub to work. This flexibility and ease of use make lighting your home smarter than ever.

Integration with Other Smart Devices

Integrating smart lighting into your home is key for a complete smart home setup. Smart bulbs like these work well with different systems and devices. This allows you to control your lights using your voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home. You can also connect them with security and entertainment systems to make your home more functional and welcoming.

Smart Plugs: Simplify Life with Easy Automation

Smart plugs are key to making your home smart. They help control things like lights, fans, and coffee makers. We looked at many smart plugs to find the best ones out there. They mostly use Wi-Fi, but some now work with Matter for better connections and security.

What’s great about smart plugs is how they track energy use. This info is in an app you can see. It helps save energy too. Most of the top smart plugs work directly with your Wi-Fi. But, a few need a hub for better connection and to control more devices.

Smart plugs work well with popular smart home systems. These include Amazon Alexa and Google Home. You can use devices like Echo Dot to manage things with your voice. Or, use your phone. This makes planning when your devices turn on very easy.

They also make your home look lived-in when you’re away. By turning lights on and off, they can scare off burglars. You can use them inside or outside your house. And they are affordable for anyone looking to start their smart home journey.

Setting up a smart plug is usually quick. You just plug it in and connect it to your device using an app. If you change your Wi-Fi, you might need to reset some plugs. Big brands like Google Home let you share control easily, making things even simpler.

When picking a smart plug, think about what you already have at home. Also, what kind of Wi-Fi you prefer and if it can monitor energy. Look at the app and how it works too. From our review, the AiDot Linkind Smart Plug caught our eye. It’s $15.99 and works with many smart systems.

Smart Locks: Enhanced Security and Convenience

Smart locks have become essential in 2023 for top-notch home control. The Schlage Encode Plus leads the way by supporting Apple Home Key. This makes it easy to connect with Apple devices. Many smart lock makers are also starting to use a new technology called Matter. This includes the use of Thread protocol. However, Schlage and Yale are still working on adding this feature to some of their models.

Top Smart Locks for 2023

The August Smart Lock Pro is known for its easy setup and works with various smart systems. The Schlage Encode locks, now with Matter, are strong on security. The Yale Assure SL and Eufy’s smart lock are also popular. They stand out because of their unique batteries and features. When picking a smart lock, think about how they make your life safer and easier every day.

What to Look For in a Smart Lock

Consider the ANSI grade, which shows how well a lock can resist breaking in. Look for a lock with a higher grade, like Grade 3 or above. Most good smart locks use two-factor authentication to keep your accounts safe. This is very important. Also, think about the battery life. Many locks need four AA batteries. But, locks from Level Lock and Eufy use different power sources, which might be better for you.

Installation and Setup Tips

Follow the maker’s instructions to set up your smart lock easily. Make sure it works with your door and your other smart devices. For example, the August Smart Lock Pro is designed to be simple to install. It also works smoothly with many devices. Choose a lock that supports the latest tech, like Matter. This will help all your home devices work together better. You’ll create a safe and unified living space.